An Alliance MLA has slated the Agriculture Minister for not bringing in a complete ban on snares - and vowed to introduce a private members will to stop their use.

Chris Lyttle was speaking ahead of a Stormont Environment Committee meeting at which Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) officials are expected to confirm Minister Michelle McIlveen has no plan to fully ban snares, “despite evidence showing their cruelty, but rather current regulations amended”.

The East Belfast MLA said he is planning on bringing a private member’s bill on animal cruelty to the Assembly “which would include legislation to fully ban the use of snares in Northern Ireland”.

He added: “Last year, Belfast City Council backed an Alliance motion calling for the selling of snares for capturing or killing animals to be made illegal. This is in addition to around three-quarters of people in Northern Ireland backing a ban on such cruel practices.

“There was hope when the previous Environment Minister shelved the Snares Order that it might be dropped entirely and followed by a complete ban, so it is disappointing the current Minister has confirmed that will not be the case.

“Alliance remains committed to this issue and it is one we will continue to work on until such horrifying cruelty is completely eliminated. A total ban on snares is the only humane option available in this matter and I hope the Minister realises that.”

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The move comes after Belfast Live reported previously that animal rights campaigners want the minister to introduce a complete ban. The former Environment Minister, Mark H Durkan, shelved a Snares Order after activists said it did not go far enough. That Order now looks set to be introduced by the new minister.

Speaking earlier this week, a A DAERA spokesperson said: “DAERA officials are due to brief the AERA Committee on the Snares Order later this week. It must then be considered and voted on by the Assembly. If approval is given then it is anticipated the Order will be operational by early next year.”